Best David Potocki Podcasts (2025)

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How Carolina Outdoor Lighting Built A People-First Business with Maja Potocki 21:29

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3d ago21:29

21:29

What does it really take to turn a two-person hustle into a durable, people-first business? We sit down with Maja, co-founder of Carolina Outdoor Lighting, to trace the arc from answering irrigation clients’ lighting requests to building a design-led brand known for craft, culture, and steady growth. From the first two-day crash course to a recent …

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From Chaos To Calm with Jess Reed Green Mountain Space 28:12

6d ago28:12

28:12

Imagine walking into a home that felt chaotic yesterday and feels peaceful today. That’s the promise behind luxury organizing done right, and we brought back Jess Reed of Green Mountain Space to unpack exactly how her team delivers one‑day transformations, even across seven counties in Western North Carolina. From the first consult to the final lab…

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Own Your Energy: Coaching For Hospitality Growth with Christine Smith 25:04

8d ago25:04

25:04

What if the biggest block to your team’s performance isn’t strategy, but unspoken tension? We sit down with hospitality business coach Christine Smith to unpack how emotional intelligence, honest conversation, and patient self-trust can transform culture and results. Christine works with owners and small teams to clear friction, create safe spaces,…

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From Small Excavator to Booked Solid: How Craft, Focus, and Integrity Built a Local Powerhouse with Ryan Wooten 19:36

10d ago19:36

19:36

What does it look like to grow a local contracting business without billboards, gimmicks, or chaos? We sit down with owner-operator Ryan Wooten, who went from a single excavator to a respected residential grading and retaining wall company by doing one thing uncommonly well: finishing what he starts and making clients glad they hired him. Ryan open…

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How a 26-Year-Old Turned Painting Into Premium Hospitality with Cedric Merrills of WOW Painting 31:06

17d ago31:06

31:06

What if your contractor experience felt more like a five-star hotel stay than a gamble with your calendar and patience? That’s the challenge Cedric Merrills took on when he left wedding photography to build WOW 1 Day Painting in Asheville—a company that pairs speed with hospitality and backs it with systems anyone can understand. We talk about the …

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Building Trust: Home Inspections, Growth, and the Power of Planning with Will King 19:23

20d ago19:23

19:23

Buying or selling a home shouldn’t feel like a blindfolded leap. We sit down with Will King—former teacher, now owner of Highside Home Inspections—to unpack how steady maintenance, clear education, and intentional planning reduce anxiety and create real value in every step of the real estate journey. From pre-listing inspections that prevent last-m…

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From Second-Generation Electrician to Strategic Partner: How Thomas Fleming Builds Trust, Talent, and Cash Flow Resilience 31:42

22d ago31:42

31:42

Ever wonder why a $150/hour service call doesn’t mean the owner makes $150? We pull back the panel with Thomas Fleming, president of Strategic Electrical Solutions, to explore the real economics of the trades—7,000 hours of experience, a daunting license exam, payroll and workers’ comp, trucks and tools, and the thin margins that still have to fund…

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Ten Years, Two Markets: How Big Frog Turned Branded Apparel into a Community Growth Engine With David Riddell 25:31

24d ago25:31

25:31

What if your logo could sell for you every day—quietly, consistently, and everywhere your customers go? We sit down with David Riddell of Big Frog Custom T‑Shirts to unpack a decade of growth powered by flexible production, community presence, and relentless follow-through. From single-shirt solutions to thousand-piece runs, David explains why a re…

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When entrepreneurship gets hard, sell something—and keep customers, team, and mission first with Brad Currin WNC Built 16:18

29d ago16:18

16:18

What if a remodeling company could also be a recovery engine for families and a launchpad for veterans? That’s the story Brad from WNC Built brings to the table—a ground-up look at how service, sales, and culture can scale a local business while delivering real impact in Western North Carolina. We start with the work on the ground: additions, kitch…

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How a Banker and Nurse Became Cedar Experts with Dale and Stephanie Hatfield 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

By Bill Gilliland

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From Crawlspaces to Classrooms: How Justin Berger Revolutionized Home Inspection 39:31

1M ago39:31

39:31

Justin Berger takes us behind the curtain of home inspection entrepreneurship, revealing how his business evolved from a simple scheduling concept to the comprehensive team-based approach that's driven 20% year-over-year growth for Home Inspection Collective since 2017. What sets this conversation apart is Justin's refreshing honesty about the entr…

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From Louisville to Western NC: How Lyn Mabry Built a Pure Design Business 30:58

1M ago30:58

30:58

What happens when you take a leap of faith, leave behind a successful business, and start over in a new community? Lyn Mabry, founder of Designing Spaces by Lyn, did exactly that when she followed her dream of living in the mountains of Western North Carolina. After 25 years in the design industry and a thriving business in Louisville, Lyn handed h…

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From Recession to Success: How BCA Architecture Grew Through Community with Brent Campbell and Erin Foy 29:36

1M ago29:36

29:36

What happens when you launch an architecture firm on the very day a recession begins? For Brent Campbell, founder of BCA Architecture and Design, that seemingly terrible timing in 2007 became the foundation for a thriving Asheville-based practice that now employs eight people and handles projects ranging from custom homes to commercial buildings ac…

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Building Legacy: From Family Trade to Luxury Construction with Doug Peterson 19:43

1M ago19:43

19:43

What does it take to build multi-million dollar luxury homes in today's challenging market? Doug Peterson of Peterson Builders TX pulls back the curtain on his third-generation construction business that's thriving in the competitive Texas Hill Country. Doug shares candid insights about the risks and rewards of scaling a construction business, reve…

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The Balanced Business: Building Coastland Tree Works with Spencer Unger 23:52

1M ago23:52

23:52

What does it take to transform specialized skills into a thriving business while maintaining your sanity and creating a workplace people actually want to join? Spencer from Coastland Tree Works reveals exactly that in this candid conversation about his entrepreneurial journey. After honing his craft through a comprehensive apprenticeship in Germany…

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From Decks to Airbnbs: Creating Multiple Revenue Streams with Derek Prince 23:09

2M ago23:09

23:09

Derek Prince takes us behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey as founder of Pro Property Services, Asheville's premier exterior contracting company specializing in deck construction, siding, roofing, and log cabin restoration. But this isn't just a story about building physical structures – it's about building multiple successful businesse…

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Paver Perfection: Building a Niche Business Empire with Garfield Jones 18:42

2M ago18:42

18:42

Carving out a specialized niche might seem limiting, but for Garfield Jones of Paver Perfection, it's been the foundation of his entrepreneurial success. Broadcasting from Palm Beach - what Garfield calls "the paver capital of the world" - this episode delves into how focusing exclusively on paver restoration created a thriving business that comman…

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Hurricane to Opportunity: Rebuilding Western NC Business with Brett Hulsey 33:03

2M ago33:03

33:03

Brett Hulsey's journey from college newspaper staffer to media company owner defies conventional wisdom about print's demise in a digital world. As owner of Holsey Media Group and WNC Business Magazine, Brett shares how he transformed a small publishing operation into a thriving enterprise with approximately twelve magazine titles serving Western N…

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Reputation, Reliability, and Retirement Plans: A Different Kind of Painting Business with Jeremy Gunn 35:24

2M ago35:24

35:24

What does it take to build a thriving business in a traditionally blue-collar industry? Jeremy Gunn of JBG Painting reveals the surprising answers in this candid conversation about entrepreneurship, employee retention, and creating real value. Starting just four and a half years ago with nothing but a desire for independence, Jeremy has built a pai…

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What Happens When Dreams Meet Strategy with Jacqueline Boone 24:41

2M ago24:41

24:41

Dreams fuel every great business achievement, yet most organizations struggle to bridge the gap between inspirational vision and practical implementation. This disconnect isn't just philosophical—it's costing the global economy $438 billion annually in lost productivity through employee disengagement. Jacqueline Boone, founder of Dream Academy, joi…

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Unlocking the Value of Your Business: Insights from Viking Mergers & Acquisitions with Jeff McKeehan and Chris Buehler 26:37

2M ago26:37

26:37

Successful entrepreneurs know their business is often their largest asset, yet most lack a clear strategy for unlocking its full value when it's time to move on. Jeff McKeehan and Chris Buehler from Viking Mergers & Acquisitions pull back the curtain on the complex world of business transitions, revealing insights that could potentially double what…

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Same-Day Decisions: How Local Banking is Disrupting Finance with Andy Nadeau 28:26

2M ago28:26

28:26

When was the last time your banker gave you a same-day decision? For most business owners, the answer is "never" – but Andy Nadeau and his team at FB Financial are changing that reality in Western North Carolina. "We tell business owners what they need to hear instead of what they want to hear," explains Nadeau, who brings over three decades of fin…

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How SEO Changed Everything for 4 Square Roofing, with James Hamilton III 20:22

2M ago20:22

20:22

What happens when you combine roofing expertise with self-taught digital marketing skills? James from 4 Square Roofing reveals the blueprint that transformed his business from struggling startup to a lead-generating powerhouse without spending a dime on marketing agencies. After 15 years in real estate's feast-or-famine world, James discovered roof…

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The XP League Revolution: How Local Entrepreneurs Are Transforming Youth Gaming Culture with Cheryl and Mark Chambers 25:09

2M ago25:09

25:09

Ever wondered how to transform your child's gaming obsession into something that actually builds valuable life skills? Meet Cheryl Chambers, who along with her husband Mark, is revolutionizing youth gaming culture through XP League Asheville. From Minecraft battles to Fortnite competitions, Cheryl explains how XP League creates coach-led, in-person…

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Asheville is Open: How Local Businesses Are Bouncing Back Together with Jessica Kanupp 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

Ever wondered what happens when you join your local Chamber of Commerce but never show up? Jessica Kanupp, Director of Member Marketing and Sales at the Asheville Chamber, calls this the "ultimate missed opportunity" in this energetic conversation with host Bill Gilliland. As Asheville continues rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, Jessica shares enc…

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Crafting Purpose Through Furniture: The Journey of Jeremy French 32:00

2M ago32:00

32:00

Jeremy French, founder of Making Whole, takes us on a profound journey through the intersection of craftsmanship, recovery, and entrepreneurship. What began as his personal battle with addiction in the 1990s evolved into a mission to create an apprenticeship program where recovering addicts build custom furniture—not just as a vocational skill, but…

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Mastering the Lost Art of Human Connection with Sherry Wheat 22:44

2M ago22:44

22:44

What happens when you build a business around something most entrepreneurs hate doing? You create a 25-year success story. Sherry Wheat, founder of TeleSales, joins us to reveal how direct conversation remains the secret weapon in business development, even as digital marketing dominates the landscape. Wheat's journey began in 1998 when she discove…

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Faith Over Fear: How Nancy Martin Built The Garage Authority From The Ground Up 22:30

2M ago22:30

22:30

Ever wondered what it truly takes to build a resilient business that survives economic downturns, pandemics, and natural disasters? Nancy Martin's journey with The Garage Authority provides a masterclass in faith-based entrepreneurship and values-driven leadership. Starting from scratch in 2011 during a construction industry slump, Nancy and her so…

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You, Me, and We: Designing Collaborative Awareness at The Asheville Business Summit with Maureen MCarthy & Zelle Nelson 28:15

2M ago28:15

28:15

Have you ever wondered why a team of brilliant individuals sometimes fails to work effectively together? The answer lies in collaborative awareness—understanding not just who we are individually, but who we become when we're together. Maureen McCarthy and Zelle Nelson, co-directors of the Center for Collaborative Awareness, join Epic Entrepreneurs …

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Finding the Perfect Tenant: How PMI Mountain and Main Transforms Property Management with Katherine Van Brocklin 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

Ever wondered what makes property management truly valuable? Katherine Van Brocklin of PMI Mountain and Main pulls back the curtain on this often misunderstood industry in a captivating conversation about entrepreneurship, accountability, and treating other people's investments as if they were your own. Katherine shatters the persistent myth that p…

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10 Mindset Shifts to Skyrocket Your Business Growth 16:31

2M ago16:31

16:31

Unlock your entrepreneurial potential! Discover 10 powerful mindset shifts to transform your business and achieve massive growth in 2025. Are you ready to level up? [00:00] Intro & Why Mindset Matters [01:00] Scarcity to Abundance: Attracting clients [02:00] Perfection to Progress: Launching faster [03:00] Employee to Entrepreneur: Scaling your vis…

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Your 5 to 9 Builds Dreams, Your 9 to 5 Pays Bills | Building a seven-figure business in three years with Anthony Woo 37:43

2M ago37:43

37:43

Anthony Woo, owner of Climatisation ACG, shares his journey from HVAC technician to business owner, growing a 10-person team and crossing the seven-figure revenue mark in just three years without traditional marketing. • Focusing on processes and back-end systems is crucial when experiencing rapid growth • Anthony actively seeks knowledge and learn…

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Building Connections Through Creativity: The Business of DIY Workshops with Lynette Stewart 21:37

2M ago21:37

21:37

What happens when a military spouse of 27 years finally plants roots and brings her creative passion to a new community? Lynette Stewart's journey with Board Brush Creative Studios reveals the challenges and triumphs of building a business focused on creativity, connection, and handcrafted wooden treasures. After relocating 14 times throughout her …

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Designing Success: Boutique Architecture with Partner Nate Webster 32:25

2M ago32:25

32:25

What does it mean to run a "boutique" architecture firm in today's market? Nate Webster, partner at ARCA Design in Asheville, North Carolina, reveals the strategic advantages of staying small and nimble while delivering projects ranging from custom homes to $20 million museums. Growing up as the son of a residential contractor, Webster developed an…

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If You Never Lose, You Never Win: Lessons in Business Growth with Tomas Villar 27:30

2M ago27:30

27:30

What does it take to build a real estate empire from nothing? Tomas Villar knows firsthand, having transformed from a 17-year-old high school dropout to the successful owner of Villar 360 Enterprises over the past 15 years. Villar's business approach is remarkably straightforward yet powerful: he raises capital from investors, builds custom and sem…

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From Chaos to Catalyst: Angie Flynn-McIver and Gillian Bellinger on The Asheville Business Summit 24:45

2M ago24:45

24:45

What happens when theater directors and improv masters turn their attention to business leadership? Something magical, it turns out. Meet Gillian Bellinger and Angie Flynn-McIver, two creative professionals whose unlikely partnership is revolutionizing how we think about leadership in uncertain times. Despite having remarkably parallel careers—Gill…

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Financial Partners Inc: Building Community Through Crisis and Beyond 31:38

3M ago31:38

31:38

When disaster strikes, how does a community rebuild? Not just structures, but hope, opportunity, and a vision for something better than before? In this compelling conversation with Cory and Justin from Financial Partners Inc, we explore exactly how the Asheville business community is transforming the aftermath of Hurricane Helene into a catalyst fo…

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From Landscaping to Construction: One Entrepreneur's Journey to Debt-Free Success with Tanner Cranfill 27:52

3M ago27:52

27:52

Serial entrepreneur Tanner opens up about the remarkable journey of building two thriving, debt-free businesses from the ground up. Starting as a private gardener before founding Magnolia Landscape Group eight years ago, Tanner shares how he strategically expanded into construction during the pandemic, creating Noah's Ark Construction to ensure yea…

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From Our Garage to 65 Employees: Building a Multi-Trade Service Empire 41:10

3M ago41:10

41:10

What does it truly take to build a multi-million dollar service business from scratch? Pete and Alicia Green's journey from operating a one-truck plumbing company out of their garage to managing a 65-employee multi-trade powerhouse offers profound insights for entrepreneurs at any stage. The husband-wife team behind Go Green Plumbing Heating Air an…

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7 Location Mistakes Killing Your Business Growth 11:01

3M ago11:01

11:01

Is your business location holding you back? 🤔 Discover the key to business success by strategically choosing the right location for your brand and target customer! In this video, Coach David reveals: - How your business location impacts customer perception. [00:43] - Choosing the right delivery method for your business. [01:04] - Planning for futur…

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Direction Matters More Than Speed: Building a Purpose-Driven Business with Dasean Willard 22:06

3M ago22:06

22:06

What happens when genuine service gets lost in corporate sales tactics? On the Epic Entrepreneur’s Podcast, Dasean Willard, founder of Eagle Air Services and Repair, shares his mission to restore honesty and integrity in the HVAC industry. From flashlight holder at 13 to business owner, his journey offers timeless lessons for entrepreneurs across a…

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Charging Ahead: One Man's Electric Ride to Entrepreneurship with Lee McDowell 35:11

3M ago35:11

35:11

What happens when a passionate electrician and car enthusiast discovers the untapped potential of electric vehicle infrastructure? Lee McDowell's story of transformation from overworked contractor to thriving business owner offers a blueprint for entrepreneurial success in emerging markets. Working grueling 90-hour weeks at a construction company, …

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9 Finance Options For Business Owners - Which Is Best? 44:17

4M ago44:17

44:17

Unlock your business growth! 🚀 Need financing? Discover 9 proven ways to fund your startup or expansion in 2025. Learn which options fit your needs! We break down personal savings, loans, equity, & more! - Savings & Credit Cards [00:45] - Friends & Family [10:58] - Bank Loans & Grants [17:01] - Private Lending & Equity [21:13] 🔔 Subscribe for weekl…

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The Salary Standoff 9:24

4M ago9:24

9:24

Money talks, but what happens when you and your employee speak different languages about compensation? This candid discussion tackles one of the most common yet challenging workplace dynamics: the employee who believes they're worth more than their employer does. The episode opens by addressing a crucial misconception, particularly among younger wo…

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How To Break Bad Habits - Grow Your Business FAST 11:56

4M ago11:56

11:56

Grow your business in 2025! 🚀 Tired of old habits holding you back? Learn how to break free and achieve next-level success! This video reveals the #1 obstacle to business growth and how to overcome it. We'll cover: - Identifying limiting habits - Crafting a powerful vision [00:00] - Finding accountability [03:51] - Creating a catalyst for change [0…

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Here's How to Ask a Better Question 7:04

4M ago7:04

7:04

Ever wonder why some business leaders seem stuck while others scale effortlessly? The secret might be in the questions they ask. The journey from startup to scalable business follows a predictable evolution of questions. When we begin, we're trapped in the "How can I?" mindset - trying to accomplish everything through personal effort. As we mature,…

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Customer Segmentation: The Secret to Business Success 10:51

4M ago10:51

10:51

Is your business leaving money on the table? 💰 Discover how to identify your most profitable customers and skyrocket your revenue! Learn to analyze your client list for maximum impact. Uncover the secrets to customer segmentation! We'll show you how to find hidden revenue opportunities and focus on high-value clients. [00:13] - The Importance of Kn…

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You Can't Know Enough Good People: Building Business Through Genuine Interest 8:16

4M ago8:16

8:16

Have you ever watched someone effortlessly extract a person's life story within minutes of meeting them? That special ability to connect deeply and quickly with others isn't just a social superpower—it's a business advantage that can transform your professional relationships and opportunities. After observing my wife's remarkable gift for human con…

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From Mop Factories to Mentorship: Absorbing Life's Lessons 5:52

4M ago5:52

5:52

Lifelong learning starts with being a sponge – absorbing knowledge from every experience, job, and interaction around you. This mindset transforms everyday moments into valuable lessons that compound over time and fuel meaningful personal and professional growth. • Asheville Business Summit coming in September with early bird tickets available July…

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Stop Blaming Your Team and Start Building Accountability, with Bill Gilliland of ActionCOACH 8:26

4M ago8:26

8:26

Are your teams falling short of expectations? Before pointing fingers at your staff, it might be time to look in the mirror. In this revealing episode, we tackle the uncomfortable truth that team performance often reflects leadership systems—or lack thereof. Many leaders claim to dislike meetings, dismissing them as unproductive time-wasters. But w…